OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Calls Defense Deal Rushed After Surge in ChatGPT Uninstalls
Key Points
- Sam Altman labeled the DoW contract as rushed and opportunistic.
- New contract language explicitly bans domestic surveillance using ChatGPT‑powered systems.
- Altman urged the U.S. government to reverse the freeze on Anthropic’s Claude.
- ChatGPT uninstall rates in the U.S. jumped 295%, according to Sensor Tower data.
- Claude installations rose sharply, reaching the top of the Apple App Store charts.
- User discussions highlighted concerns about AI ethics and response quality.
- The retirement of the GPT‑4o model added to criticism of OpenAI.
OpenAI chief Sam Altman said the company’s agreement with the U.S. Department of War was "rushed" and "opportunistic and sloppy," after data showed a sharp rise in ChatGPT app removals. In an internal memo posted on X, Altman added language barring the use of ChatGPT‑powered systems for domestic surveillance and urged the government to reverse a directive that blocks Anthropic’s Claude from official use. The controversy has spurred a wave of uninstallations, with reports of a 295% increase, while Claude installations have risen sharply as users shift platforms.
Altman’s Admission of a Rushed Deal
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman posted an internal memo on X acknowledging that the company’s recent contract with the U.S. Department of War (DoW) was "rushed" and appeared "opportunistic and sloppy." He said the timing of the announcement, which came on a Friday, contributed to the perception that the deal was hurried.
New Contract Language on Surveillance
The revised agreement now explicitly states that any ChatGPT‑powered AI system used by the DoW "shall not be intentionally used for domestic surveillance of U.S. persons and nationals." Altman emphasized that this addition aligns the contract with applicable laws and the company’s core principles.
Call for Policy Reversal on Anthropic
Altman also criticized a government directive that freezes Anthropic’s Claude from use by official agencies. He described the move as a "very bad decision" and urged officials to reverse it, arguing that the decision undermines democratic processes and could be unconstitutional.
Consumer Backlash and Uninstall Surge
Data from Sensor Tower, cited by TechCrunch, indicated that ChatGPT uninstall rates in the United States rose by 295% over a recent period, suggesting a significant user exodus. Many former ChatGPT users appear to be migrating to Claude, whose installs increased by 37% on one Friday and 51% the following Saturday, propelling it to the top of the Apple App Store charts.
Broader Concerns About AI Ethics and Quality
Reddit discussions reflected user concerns about AI ethics and a perceived decline in the quality of ChatGPT’s responses. The retirement of the GPT‑4o model added to the criticism, with users questioning OpenAI’s commitment to safety and performance.
Outlook
The controversy surrounding the defense contract, the surge in app removals, and the competitive gains by Claude suggest that the debate over AI safety, ethical use, and corporate transparency will continue to shape public and governmental attitudes toward AI technologies.